The Red Convertible--Analysis - 1982 Words

Returning Home: The Lasting Effects Casualties of war continue to happen long after the individuals time in combat has come to an end. To the public’s eye, veterans returning home must be overwhelmed with joy to be out of danger and put back into the world they once knew. But are they? Veterans returning home from combat experience are faced with the difficult task of coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its side effects, because of their experiences in combat. In Lousie Erdrich’s, â€Å"The Red Convertible† and Wilfred Owen’s, â€Å"Dulce et Decorum Est† we can see how and why a returning veteran, such as Henry, would have trouble readapting to his former environment and handling the symptoms of PTSD. First, in order for us†¦show more content†¦Within his poem he describes some of the struggles of war. He states, â€Å"Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots But limped on, blood shod. All went lame; all blin d; Drunk with fatigue†(709). He describes the overwhelming exhaustion that war takes on the human body. The body continues to fight on and survive. He continues with, â€Å"Gas! Gas! Quick, boys!--An ecstasy of fumbling, Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time†(709). This description allows us to realize that even when the body was at complete exhaustion, as described earlier, the men stay vigilant at all times in order to stay alive. At any moment death could be at their doorstep and they must be ready to combat it. Not all men were able to react as quickly as need be in wartime, as described by, â€Å"As under a green sea, I saw him drowning. In all my dreams before my helpless sight, He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.†(709). He is unable to do anything for his dying brother, friend and fellow soldier. This is the most important glimpse into what soldiers face in the field of battle that stays with them for the rest of their lives. At poi nts within the war, many were faced with the realization that somebody very close was dying right in front of them and there was nothing they could do to assist them. This poem can serve as the missing link for the reader to, attempt, to imagine what Jenkins 4 everyday life could be like during wartime for Henry. Even though thisShow MoreRelatedCritical Analysis Of The Red Convertible2200 Words   |  9 PagesPedro Ramirez English 2100 Critical Analysis Essay 11/6/17 Being an outsider is a common experience that can be difficult for people to overcome and describe. â€Å"The Red Convertible† is a good example of an outsider and can breakdown what it’s like to be in this social status. This short story shows Henry’s transition to becoming an outsider, and all the changes that occur to him differentiates an insider from an outsider. Henry is seen by his younger brother, Lyman, as a bestRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie The Red Convertible 951 Words   |  4 PagesThe Red Convertible is a story about the relationship that two brothers share before and after the eldest goes to war. In the beginning of the story we meet the brothers, Henry and Lyman. It then becomes apparent that the younger of the two, Lyman, is the narrator. (Erdrich 103) Lyman worked his way up to owner of a restaurant and Henry worked at a Jewel Bearing Plant. Not long after, Henry recieves his two weeks pay after being laid off from his job at the plant and Ly man has been given an insuranceRead MoreAnalysis Of Cathedral And The Red Convertible 1362 Words   |  6 PagesSukhpreet Kaur Professor Robert Sternberg EAC 150 Date- August 5, 2016 Topic - In both â€Å"Cathedral† and â€Å"The Red Convertible,† one character attempts to help another overcome a state of unhappiness and hopelessness. Happiness and Hope are the two most important blessings in life. Happiness is the ultimate reason for living. It is not relevant just to a single person but it is important for the whole global community. Hope is that great thing in life that gives strength to people to live life, evenRead MoreAn Analysis Of The Red Convertible By Louise Erdrich1018 Words   |  5 PagesThe Red Convertible The short story â€Å"The Red Convertible† by Louise Erdrich is a story the author uses to shed light on the effects of mental illness on Vietnam era returning combat veterans. The story includes the effects not just on the veterans, also on their family and community. The acceptance and treatment of mental illness in veterans takes on new meaning with the recent increase in veterans returning from extended periods of service suffering from the disease of mental illness. The treatmentRead MoreThe Red Convertible Short Story Analysis Essay774 Words   |  4 PagesChase Brown Oliva 9/22/12 English 102 Short Story Analysis: The Red Convertible â€Å"The Red Convertible† by Louise Erdrich is a short story about two Native American brothers, Lyman and Henry, and their growing bond as brothers. Symbolism is used rather heavily in this story. One of the main symbols of the story, as noted in the title, is the red convertible. The red convertible symbolizes the relationship status of the two brothers, and the struggles they face as Henry is drafted into theRead MoreEssay on Literary Analysis: The Red Convertible 1874 Words   |  8 Pagesdistanced portrayal of events. However it can also be an expression of perceptive truth, events are experienced much they would be in real life – confusing and disjointed. To look into these narrative elements of text, I will use examples from â€Å"The Red Convertible† by Lois Erdrich to demonstrate how Lyman’s narration style is representative of psychoanalytic concepts, showing how he deals with the situations presented in his life. Oftentimes the lens we use when interpreting any art is based on ourRead MoreAnalysis Of The Red Convertible By Louise Erdrich2044 Words   |  9 Pageslives and a lot of money, but it also has serious influences on veterans. In the short story â€Å"The Red Convertible,† written by Louise Erdrich, concerns a relationship of an American brothers, Lyman and Henry before and after the Vietnam War. Before the war, they are close, happy, and passionate. They travel together throughout the country and share lots of beautiful memories with the red convertible, which they truly appreciate. However, when the war begins, Henry has to join the army and fight inRead MoreAn Analysis Of Louise Erdrich s The Red Convertible 840 Words   |  4 Pagesimportant than the characters of the story. In Louise Erdrich s The Red Convertible, the car played the same important role as the characters did, but for different reasons. Two brothers, Lyman and Henry, had very little in common other than their blood. One day they decided to catch a ride to Winnipeg. The car was introduced while these two were doing some sightseeing in the city. They spotted the red Oldsmobile convertible. Lyman, the storyteller, almost made the car a living thing when he saidRead MoreAnalysis Of The Story Red Convertible The Two Brothers 997 Words   |  4 PagesIn the short story Red Convertible the two brothers, as close as they are, you really never know how someone is or feels or acts unless you truly know what they’ve been through or if you are them and have gone through what they’ve been through. The brother have always been close they’re whole life but the split really changes one. Lyman and Henry really have a true connection with each other. The car they bought together without really thinking twice about it and they shared it really just showsRead MoreThe Red Convertible1584 Words   |  7 Pagesculture, the red is the color of faith, and represents communication. The short story The Red Convertible by Louise Erdrich is more than an emotional story about the lives of two Chippewa brothers who grew up together on an Indian reservation in North Dakota. Erdrich uses metaphor, symbol, vivid imagery and a simple writing style to allow the reader to understand the text while also providing the opportunity to read a lot into the story. Written in the first person by Lyman Larmartine, The Red Convertible